Katie Kommer

Hi! My name is Katie (Gallon Smash) Kommer. I recently completed the John Muir Trail, and am already hungering to find my way back to my truest, stinkiest self. On the trail, I'm known as gallon smash for my exceptional ability to fall headfirst into a bush or a river, and in the "real world" I'm known as the recent grad who's trying her best, okay?

Posts

Best of Southern California Backpacking and Day Hiking

Best of Southern California Backpacking and Day Hiking

I've lived in Southern California for five years and still feel like I'm scratching the surface of available adventure around me. The beaches are

Sep 9, 2020 : Katie Kommer
The USPS is Under Attack and Thru-Hikers Need to Care

The USPS is Under Attack and Thru-Hikers Need to Care

Unless you've been living in the woods without cell service for the last month (jealous), you've heard something about the USPS. Amid a worldwide

Aug 31, 2020 : Katie Kommer
Enlightened Equipment Rev-HOLE-ation Quilt Review

Enlightened Equipment Rev-HOLE-ation Quilt Review

If only I could travel back in time and smack myself upside the head for ever thinking I "sleep too cold" for a quilt. Because now that I've gotten

Aug 27, 2020 : Katie Kommer
How Color Outside Empowers Women of Color Through Outdoor Adventure

How Color Outside Empowers Women of Color Through Outdoor Adventure

"If you can do the freaking John Muir Trail, you can do this." I've had this thought an immeasurable amount of times in the nine months since I stood

Aug 12, 2020 : Katie Kommer
Why Sun Umbrellas are Becoming Thru-Hikers’ Favorite Piece of Gear

Why Sun Umbrellas are Becoming Thru-Hikers’ Favorite Piece of Gear

"I pulled out my umbrella and held it aloft. There was no tangible difference in temperature under my portable shade, but the intensity of the sun

Jul 31, 2020 : Katie Kommer
How to Plan a Backcountry Trip During a Pandemic

How to Plan a Backcountry Trip During a Pandemic

My most recent trip into the High Sierra was one for the books. For three nights, I slept under the summer stars after days filled with granite

Jul 28, 2020 : Katie Kommer
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket

Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket

Mountain Hardwear is upping the ante when it comes to outer shells. Paclite Plus is a new Gore-Tex technology geared toward shedding precious ounces

Jul 24, 2020 : Katie Kommer
How Pyles Camp Changes Boys’ Lives Through Wilderness Retreats

How Pyles Camp Changes Boys’ Lives Through Wilderness Retreats

Picture the first mountain you climbed. Standing on that summit, the feelings of joy, exhaustion, and confidence can be overwhelming. Accomplishing a

Jul 16, 2020 : Katie Kommer
Gear Review: Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie

Gear Review: Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie

I've always scoffed at long sleeves in the summer. Yet time and time again, I forget to reapply sunblock and emerge from the mountains with a gnarly

Jul 8, 2020 : Katie Kommer
Patricia Cameron on How Colorado Blackpackers is Fighting for Economic Equity Outdoors

Patricia Cameron on How Colorado Blackpackers is Fighting for Economic Equity Outdoors

From micro aggressive remarks to blatant racism, BIPOC hikers experience the outdoors differently. Knowing this, Colorado Blackpackers is working to

Jun 25, 2020 : Katie Kommer